Lesson 10
"My thoughts do not mean anything."

This idea applies to all the thoughts of which you are aware, or become aware in
the practice periods. The reason the idea is applicable to all of them is that
they are not your real thoughts. We have made this distinction before, and will again. You
have no basis for comparison as yet. When you do, you will have no doubt that
what you once believed were your thoughts did not mean anything.

This is the second time we have used this kind of idea. The form is only
slightly different. This time the idea is introduced with "My thoughts"
instead of "These thoughts," and no link is made overtly with the things
around you. The emphasis is now on the lack of reality of what you think you
think.

This aspect of the correction process began with the idea that the thoughts of
which you are aware are meaningless, outside rather than within; and then
stressed their past rather than their present status. Now we are emphasizing
that the presence of these "thoughts" means that you are not thinking. This
is merely another way of repeating our earlier statement that your mind is
really a blank. To recognize this is to recognize nothingness when you think you
see it. As such, it is the prerequisite for vision.

Close your eyes for these exercises, and introduce them by repeating the idea
for today quite slowly to yourself. Then add:

"This idea will help to release me from all that I now believe."

The exercises consist, as before, in searching your mind for all the thoughts
which are available to you, without selection or judgement. Try to avoid
classification of any kind. In fact, if you find it helpful to do so, you might
imagine that you are watching an oddly assorted procession going by, which has
little if any personal meaning to you. As each one crosses your mind, say:

Today's idea can
obviously serve for any thought that distresses you at any time. In addition,
five practice periods are recommended, each involving no more than a minute or
so of mind searching. It is not recommended that this time period be extended,
and it should be reduced to half a minute or even less if you experience
discomfort. Remember, however, to repeat the idea slowly before applying it
specifically, and also to add: